Two King School Students Appointed to Military Academies

King School's Upper School Prize Day celebrates students' talents and commitments as they're surrounded by their classmates, families, and faculty. On Wednesday, May 30, the ceremony included additional recognition as two members of the Class of 2018 were appointed to our country's military academies. Congressman Jim Himes, along with MyLinh Shattan, West Point Admissions Representative & USMA Class of 1991, appointed Abby Price and Evan Townsend-Henry preparing them to embark on a future of service and dedication.

Abby Price, of Greenwich, will attend the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, CO and Evan Townsend-Henry, of Norwalk, will attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, at West Point.

Appointments to the Air Force Academy are extremely competitive, with more than 10,000 students applying each year. Applicants must not only excel in academics athletics leadership and service, they must also secure a nomination from a member of Congress, the Vice President, or the President of the United States. "The application process was very long and time consuming, and completely different than a regular college application. I'm not sure everyone really understands that but it was absolutely worth it because I honestly could not see myself at a civilian school. Now that the wait is over and I've been appointed, I can't wait to get there and just begin this next chapter. I think one of the most honorable and respectful things someone can do is serve their county. Most of the men in my family are veterans so for me to have the opportunity to continue that family legacy, especially being female, is really amazing," said Abby.

The path to securing an appointment to West Point is extremely challenging and selective. Every year the Academy offers a select number of highly qualified and promising leaders a scholarship in the form of a Preparatory Program. Admission to the Preparatory School is an incredible achievement and many of the Academy's distinguished graduates entered West Point from the Preparatory School. "This process was a long but very eye opening opportunity. I was able to learn and push myself to become better as a public speaker, scholar, and athlete. The opportunity to serve my country is a little scary but very exciting and I am thrilled to be given this chance to do so. It is important because it allows for me to leave a positive impact on the world," said Evan.

"I am inspired by these candidates and the hard decision they've made to serve their country, especially given the volatile state of the world today. Some years from now, when they look back on their lives, this will be something they are most proud of," said MyLinh Shattan.

It was an honor to have Congressman Himes to be at King to appoint Abby and Evan. He comments, "Fewer than 1% of Americans serve our nation in uniform, which makes this decision for these two individuals remarkable. It is even more remarkable that they make this decision during a time of war. It was truly a privilege to be here today to recognize the choice these young people have made."

Congratulations to Abby and Evan and the entire King Community wishes them a successful and safe year.